Observing and Interacting With Families

ellamaeterryearlychildhoodeducation

     Blog 4

    Literacy is the road to human progress and the means through which every man, woman and child can realize his or her full potential." 
~ Kofi Annan

  

     I had the pleasure of observing and interacting with more closely the parents and children of the Hegewisch Daycare Center.  At first, I was a little nervous about observing and interacting with the children and families.  After doing so, I was glad that I did.  They left such a wonderful impression on me regarding early childhood literacy.  

     The Director, Social Service Worker and Host Teacher, introduced me to the families upon each of their arrival.  Ms. "O" the social service provider shared my reasons for being there.  She then walked me to the toddlers classroom.  There I spoke to one of the parent in this particular classroom.  Ms. "O" informed me of the parent being an advocate for early childhood literacy and how she goes out to the different hospitals and read to children that are less fortunate.  I asked Ms."P" (the parent), "What made her get involved in literacy? and Why?".  Ms. "P" shared her reasons.  She stated that this ha always been an interest to her, because she remembers being read to as a child and having a food foundation that was laid in her early childhood years.  Because of that, it inspired her to give that which was given to her back to those she feels are less fortunate.  She went on to say that doing her early childhood years, she learn from being read to that her ability to focus while being read to helped her to succeed in school.  In addition to that, she is able to identify what reading and writing skills look like and being able to read fluently.  Al of the help me to interact, self regulate, gain ability to focus my attention, socially interact and gain control over my action.  I know that sounds like a lot, but it is true.  Because of that, I felt the need to reach out and give back to others what was given to me.  For me, that was a WOW!!! moment.  I thanked her for her insights and giving me the opportunity to talk with her.  

     Ms. "O" then took me to my home room teacher Ms."S".  She was standing and doing instructional activities with the children.  Ms."S", asked if I wanted to talk to one of the parents in her room;.  I replied yes.  As she was talking, the doorbell ranged.   It was a parent.  I asked if it would be okay to talk to her regarding early childhood literacy.  I shared my reasoning for being at the center.  She welcomed me and sat down to talk.  I asked her, "What are some concerns you have as it relates to early childhood literacy?"  She looked at me and hesitated for a minute or two and then replied.  As a parent, I can see why literacy is not to be taken lightly.  As I watch TV, read different articles as well as in my child's school all I hear is "school readiness".  It is understood, that children must be able to read and write at a level to be successful in today's world.  I'm preparing myself and my child to succeed in school.  I'm teaching my child the sounds of the alphabet to become fluent for reading in the future, because this is a must and it is very important.  I want for my child to be able to make sense and know that letters can be put into words and that words means something.  Words convey meaning.  I want for my child to know and mean what he say.  I want him to make sense out of what it is he is trying to convey as he interacts with others as he exchanges dialogue.  I take it serious and that is why I do a lot of one-to-one correspondence with my child.  This is to equip him to be literate as he learns to read and write.  This was another WOW!!! moment for me.  I was so amazed with the response I got from the conversation with the parents.  I wasn't expecting her to be as detailed and in depth as she was.  I walked away feeling so enlighten with the thoughts and response I gained from the parents about the way they felt about early childhood literacy.  From the beginning of the conversation to the end, I have gained another level of respect for parents and their thoughts.  

     Observing and interacting with parents that close, I had the opportunity to learn and gain insights that they to have a voice and that their voice needs to be heard.  As an advocate, they to are advocating for their children and their children's needs.  They care about empowering themselves and the future of their children as it relates to literacy.